Mahajaub defends Libya’s human rights record

Embattled Libyan Leader Gaddafi

The Libyan State delegate to the 49^th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights (ACHPR), in Banjul Prof. Abdullah Mahajaub has told human rights defenders that Libya has sacrificed a lot to unite Africa.

Prof. Mahajaub, who was responding to comments made by ACHPR Commissioners on the crisis in Libya on May 4, 2011, said his government has been providing assistance to persons with disabilities, with an allocation of monthly stipend, free medication, free education and they are part and parcel of decision making processes.

According to him, all foreigners in Libya with legal passports are not subjected to documents confiscation or harassment. Despite the destruction of human rights institutions by NATO, schools, hospitals and life in Tripoli is normal, he said.

On cooperation with human rights institutions, he said: “How can we help all human right institutions that have been destroyed.”

“The result of the war is a total destruction of human rights centre like the Office for Children, Deaf and Dumb, the Supreme Court, the Office of the Public Prosecution and the Attorney General Chambers,” he revealed.

He said they have raised their voices against the aggression; the Libyan crisis is an African problem and should be solved by an African Resolution.

He also revealed the over the years, a programme was instituted for the rehabilitation of prisons, these prisons are spacious and enough to accommodate prisoners, while prison wardens and workers have been well trained to look after the welfare of inmates and prison conditions.

He called on the African Commission to send a delegation to see the situation in Libya for themselves; arguing that Libya did not invade France, America or London but have been left dripping blood with its innocent citizens.

Prof. Mahajaub lauds the African Union (AU) for adopting what he called “a very good strategy” which is aimed at bringing both parties, that is, the Government and the Rebels to observe a cease-fire for peaceful dialogue.

He added that the Government has already accepted the proposal, but the rebels are still reluctant, because they do not want an “African solution” to the crisis.

On the death penalty, he said: “If someone kills unreasonably, that person may be subjected to death provided that he is found guilty by a court. The Libyan Government is also working transparently and objectively with the African Court of Justice.

Prof Mahajaub also noted that his country will continue its dialogue with AU and other organs, however, he said in a situation were there is conflict; it will be very difficult to have a dialogue.

“The NATO Forces have been always been bombing Libyan places for no good reason and in such a situation we cannot guarantee the protection of human rights,” he concluded.